According to the American Heart Association, about one in three Americans under the age of 18 are overweight or obese. With the help of organizations like Wellness in the Schools (WITS), schools have the power to help lower those statistics.
WITS is a nonprofit organization with the aim of promoting healthy eating, environmental awareness and fitness for children in public schools.
Through meaningful partnerships with school leadership, teachers, chefs, coaches, parents and kids, WITS develops and implements programs that provide healthy foods, healthy environments and opportunities for regular play to help kids learn and grow. Their approach improves student outcomes and drives systemic, long-term change, shifting the entire culture of schools.
The (WITS) organization runs three major programs: Cook For Kids, Coach for Kids and Green for Kids.
The Cook for Kids program works with schools to feed kids real food. Culinary school graduates are recruited to work with cafeteria workers to transform the cafeteria menu and provide fresh meals and nutrition education for children.
The Coach for Kids program encourages schools to let kids play to reach the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity. WITS Coaches, trained fitness professionals, work with schools to reinvent recess, train school staff, and provide fitness education to students.
The Green for Kids program brings gardening into the classroom and cafeteria. The program combines edible gardening and interactive and accessible environmental education for our schools.
Learn how to bring WITS to your school here.
